Faeries and Foes



The air was cool on the day for her to leave. She wasn't able to sleep at all, for her Father's voice kept echoing through her head, claiming she was too young, and irresponsible. To get her mind off of her Father's words, she crept out of her room into the predawn light.

She traced her path to a little grove of trees that was situated on the edge of the settlement facing the forest. She climbed a tree with little problem and settled herself to watch the sunrise.

But it was so cold! Normally she would have worn more than her customary gown, but she had forgotten it in the upset of her thoughts. Her legs began to hurt and grow stiff as the sun crept its way over the horizon. Her mind placed a gentle rapport between herself and the blossoming morning, feeling it stretch itself out over the region, setting the trees on fire with the sun's golden red light.

How long have you been here? a voice said to her left startling her. She looked down and saw her father leaning against her tree looking out to the horizon.

A while, she said.

I was tempted to come out myself, but I wouldn't have until I found your room empty. I knew you would be here. His words puzzled her.

she asked.

This is where I was myself a long time ago. It was the year before you were born. He stopped.

she persisted.

It was here I met your mother, he said finally.

All those long years ago? Before Hasen was born, she added, feeling nervous for no reason.

No, your mother. I am sorry I didn't tell you this earlier, but-

What do you mean, Papa? feeling more nervous.

I am sorry, but my wife is not your mother.

Than who is? Papa, don't joke like this! she said shakily smiling.

I am not joking. Your mother was a human. He said this is a whimsical voice.

No, my mother isn't! My mother is back in-

Keaira, I am not lying to you! he insisted.

She struggled to get down from the tree, weak legs not wanting to support her. Her stiff right leg slipped and she fell out of the tree. Her father caught her, but she threw herself out of his arms yelling.

Let go of me you lying.. you lying bastard! she ran stumbling off in the direction of the rising sun, tears streaming down her trembling face.




~@~~@~




She stumbled her way through the trees.

No NO This was a lie! He was NOT telling the truth. He was trying to convince her not to go! Or something... There had to be an explanation!.

Yes,' a voice said deep within her panicked mind. He told you the explanation.'

She threw herself at the foot of a huge oak tree. Resting her arms of a protruding root, she buried her face there and wept.




~@~~@~

How did she take it, Landen? his wife the Queen asked concerned. She had after all raised this child like her own, even living in seclusion during her It was more than any woman would do.

She ran off, he said heavily.

She needs time to come to terms with it. After she gets back, I will assure her that I will always be her mother no matter whether blood says so or not.

Angela, she will need more than that. She didn't take it well at all.

What did you expect, Landen, that she would just sit peacefully while her whole world was turned upside down? Please don't tell me you expected that, even as the child was born.

No, but I didn't expect her to run away, and call me a lying bastard.

Angela shook her head. What did you expect then?

For her to act more mature! I am sending her off today, and I would like to be able to trust that she won't mess it up!

Damn it, Landen, what do you think you are, perfect? Hardly! You are the one who was adulterous, you are the one that has lied to her all her life. You are a lying bastard, in some of the worst senses of both words! Landen-

Enough, who else lied to her pretending to be her mother?

It was not my place to tell, and I explained that when I began the charade, or is memory short when it is against your favor? she accused angrily.

Listen, I was wrong! Is that what you wanted me to say! That I was wrong and it was a mistake! There I said it! Are you happy now? he yelled.



What will appease you, woman?

I have given myself to you and these two children! I have done everything I have been able to do for you! For them! You have done nothing but belittled my commitment to a child that wasn't my responsibility, until it was thrust upon me! How dare you. I love that child more than you do, and she is the result of your adultery! How dare you!

Angela turned around and walked off, feeling once again that someone that he thought loved his, insult him to his face.




~@~~@~


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